British Airways statement as passenger 'dies on 13-hour flight to UK'A woman in her 60s died an hour into the 13-hour British Airways flight, with complaints of a 'foul smell' emerging towards the end of the journeyView 2 Images The BA jet was met at London Heathrow by police (Image: Getty)British Airways has released a statement following a reported incident where a passenger who had died remained in a galley for more than 13 hours during a flight. ‌The woman, reportedly in her 60s, passed away an hour into a journey from Hong Kong to London Heathrow. Rather than return to the departure airport, the pilots of the Airbus A350-1000 proceeded with the flight. ‌A British Airways spokesman said: "A customer sadly passed away on board and our thoughts are with their family and friends at this difficult time. The majority of airlines adhere to International Air Transport Association guidance regarding procedures when a passenger dies during a flight.

Source: Daily Mirror March 21, 2026 18:29 UTC